Ornamental Bollards: More than meets the Eye

Reliance Foundry presents 5 little-known, ornamental bollard characteristics that may make them the right fit for your site.

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Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd

The designation "ornamental" may lead one to think that ornamental bollards are little more than decorations but they do a lot more than just look pretty. Ornamental bollards do highlight architecture and beautify streetscapes but they also perform a wide variety of other functions. Like all bollards, they also act as “perceived impediments to access” that will prevent vast majority of vehicles from entering restricted areas but it doesn’t stop there either. They also aid in preserving history, defining public spaces and protecting greenspaces. From perimeter definition to landscape protection, ornamental bollards perform a whole host of functions that enhance streetscapes. On top of it all, they perform their function in styles that truly compliment their surrounding architecture. If you’ve never taken the time to consider ornamental bollards before, here are five reasons why they may be the right solution for your site:

Landmark Preservation: Preserving a historically significant building is a complicated balancing act: the goal is to maintain the original structure, but modern restoration may be needed to keep the building looking its best. Reliance Foundry can provide ornamental bollards specifically designed to reflect a historical period, or to restore existing posts on the property that may have been damaged.

Historical weight: It can be exceptionally difficult to integrate safety devices into architectural motifs. Most barrier systems feature a modern aesthetic that clashes with historic architecture but ornamental bollards are available in a wide variety of styles that coincide with many historic architectural approaches. From classic Greek inspired models to gothic and postmodern, Reliance Foundry offers ornamental bollards that, if properly selected, will never create an anachronism on your streetscape.

Visual Appeal: Well-crafted bollards add visual appeal to a space, pure and simple. Reliance Foundry’s ornamental bollard solutions also allow architects a lot of creative license because of the wide range of colors, sizes, and decorative options. Architects can select bollards that coincide with their design style, rather than ending up with another kind of post that looks like a simple afterthought.

Perimeter Definition: Foot traffic naturally flows based on the path of least resistance, but if your building or open-air space doesn’t have any kind of markers to direct pedestrians, you may find that it gets chaotic or doesn’t follow the natural path you envisioned. They are an unobtrusive way to subtly direct the flow of traffic and ornamental bollards don’t have to have the ability to stop a car to be effective either. These posts define and identify pedestrian spaces like courtyards, open-air markets, or walkways, while remaining more inviting than a wall or a fence.

Landscape Protection: Signs that read "please stay off grass" are easily ignored but ornamental bollards with highlighting chain make a more pronounced (and aesthetically pleasing for that matter) statement. Many bollards are manufactured with chain eyes for this exact purpose. A line of ornamental bollards connected with highlighting chain is an aesthetically-pleasing and passive barrier system, It presents a visual cue not to cross the boundary, while still making it possible for maintenance or emergency crews to go over or under the bollard chain when required.

Reliance Foundry offers ornamental iron bollards with traditional designs that enhance refined architectural schemes and functionally-designed models that compliment contemporary streetscapes. Ornamental bollards are most often installed in stand-alone applications but Reliance Foundry also offers models that can be installed over security posts to increase their aesthetic value. Over 40 standard models are available and all are kept in stock, available for immediate shipment. View the online ornamental bollard catalogue to find a model that will harmonize with your streetscape.

It is important to note that ornamental bollards are not the right choice for every site. Some sites and applications will require the impact resistance of rated bollards. Planners need to judge the potential risk at every site and plan the installation accordingly. For sites where illegal vehicle incursion presents a real threat, crash-rated bollards (with an ornamental bollard cover) should be considered. If you have any questions, consult an engineer.

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Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd. delivers the highest-quality stock and custom-designed products for architectural site furnishings, traffic management and industrial applications. Since 1925, Reliance Foundry has built upon a long tradition of metal casting expertise to become an award-winning supplier for high-profile and everyday needs across North America.